SMYRNA — Healing after domestic violence and sexual abuse is a long, hard road for anyone.

But two local survivors have found a way to reach out to victims in a rather playful way through the nonprofit Troupe: Survivor.

“We use drama therapy to help victims of violence to help them grow and hopefully transform into survivors through different theatrical techniques. So we use puppet therapy and play therapy and mask-making … that help them grow,” said Norman Hanks, co-founder of Troupe Survivor who is pursuing a master’s in drama therapy.

Jennifer Hamilton, who also co-founded Troupe: Survivor with Hanks, stumbled onto the idea while pursuing a degree in criminal justice. During an internship with a counseling center, she began working as a group facilitator, victim advocate and domestic violence court liaison.

Part of the outreach in Smyrna came about because they were seeing victims who were unable to travel to Murfreesboro to get the help they needed. So they created Troupe: Survivor in their hometown of Smyrna two years ago. Since then they’ve run several play therapy groups for victims of all ages.

They use a variety of techniques, too. One session might involve making masks or puppets, while another could revolve around writing and acting out a skit.

“Depression is a big issue. People are constantly locked down inside themselves and they are not willing to release,” Hanks said.

Play therapy helps with the release, he said. And by listening to what the group members act out or talk about helps Hanks to discern what underlying issues may be. Once you know the problem, you’re on the road to healing and creating a fix.

Getting to the heart of the matter isn’t easy, so one of the exercises Hanks often uses to loosen up the group is to toss around a ball. Before long, everyone is giggling.

“When you relax yourself and release yourself to allow happiness to flow in, that’s what we do when we play,” Hanks said. “Once you feel a smile and remember what it’s like to have a happy feeling, it breaks down walls.”

That happiness is infectious, too, which helps in the group setting and “gets everyone working together.”

The physical activity is also a way to engage the brain in preparation for dealing with what is often “heavy, emotional” issues.

“It lowers inhibitions and it allows us to open up and not worry about what we look like. We’re all acting goofy, so nobody is judging,” Hamilton said.

While play is often associated with children, it’s the adults that probably need it most.

But the groups are kept separate because adult issues are often too complicated and burdensome for little ones, and “they have their own issues,” Hanks said.

The adult and the children’s groups may do separate work, but they work on similar issues.

“By having (both groups) on the same thing at the same time, it gives them something to talk about when they get home,” Hanks said.

Groups are typically held quarterly for approximately eight to 10 weeks, depending on demand and ability to find space to meet. The nonprofit is seeking a “budget-friendly” spot for groups and events. There is no charge to participate.

“We want victims to be the main character in their story … and tell their story. Because every time a victim tells their story, it gets easier. Through telling their stories, they help educate others … and they begin to move the anger and hurt away from them and start rebuilding their lives,” Hanks said.